Pakistan romp into semis

Pakistan beat New Zealand by eight wickets at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka on Wednesday to race into the Super League semi-finals of the Under-19 World Cup.

The result means that both Pakistan and England have qualified for the semi-finals from Super League Group 2 with a match to spare. They will face each other in the final group match at Fatullah District Stadium on 27 February to determine which side qualifies as group winners.

Pakistan are the only unbeaten team in the tournament and never looked like losing that status against New Zealand.

In the day-nighter at the Bangabandhu, Pakistan became the first side to win the toss and field first. But their decision paid dividends as a succession of bowlers strangled New Zealand's batsmen.

The spin duo of Tariq Mahmood and Mansoor Amjad were the most influential bowlers as New Zealand were restricted to 181 for 8 in 50 overs. Both picked up two wickets in 10 over spells with Amjad's off-breaks going for only 22 runs and Mahmood's leg breaks costing just 29.

Pakistan had neither played nor practiced under lights but they showed no signs of nerves or apprehension in their reply.

Captain Khalid Latif batted with confidence bordering on contempt as he dispatched the New Zealand pace attack to all corners of the ground.

Latif romped past 50 in 41 balls and with Adnan Mizra put on 123 for the second wicket before being caught behind for 90.

Mizra finished unbeaten on 72 as Pakistan completed the victory in 34.2 overs.

Latif was named man of the match but wasn't completely satisfied with his own performance.

"I was disappointed not to get to 100 but the most important thing was to help the team win," said Latif.

"We chose to field first because we wanted to experience batting under lights and I think it was a good decision."

Pakistan team manager Sultan Rana would not be drawn into commenting on his team's chances of winning the tournament.

"We are taking each match as it comes. The boys are playing very well together and I was very impressed with the way they approached their batting today," said Rana.

New Zealand coach Dayle Hadlee admitted his side had been outplayed on the day.

"Pakistan were very impressive in all departments. They will certainly be one of the sides in contention at the end of the tournament," said Hadlee.

Brief Scores:

New Zealand Under-19: 181 for 8 in 50 overs (B Wilson 38, B Watling 38, M Amjad 2-22, T Mahmood 2-29).

Pakistan Under-19: 184 for 2 in 34.2 overs (K Latif 90, A Zaheer 72*, C Smith 1-29).